That small IFTA sticker on the side of your truck may not look important. Driving without it can lead to fines, to the need for temporary fuel permits, or even to being placed out of service in some situations. Even after it expires, you must keep it for four years. So what is an IFTA sticker, and how do you get one?
What Is an IFTA Sticker?
An IFTA sticker (also called an IFTA decal) is an annual decal displayed on both sides of a qualified commercial vehicle to show that the vehicle is covered by a valid IFTA license.
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a fuel tax arrangement that allows truckers to file a single quarterly report covering all jurisdictions, rather than filing separately in each state or province. With the report, truckers pay their taxes through their base jurisdiction, which then allocates the money.
The decals show enforcement officers that the vehicle is covered by a valid IFTA license. Trucking companies often operate in multiple jurisdictions and travel across many different states. So the IFTA sticker is an important decal on both sides of the truck.
IFTA stickers last one year, but the design doesn’t change. The outline of the state that issued the decal is printed on the year’s color. There’s one for each side of the cab.
You can’t just throw it away after it expires. You must keep the sticker, the paper license, and the documentation for 4 years in case of an audit.
Why Do Trucks Need IFTA Stickers?
Every qualified commercial vehicle must display two valid, current-year IFTA decals—one on each side of the cab—to avoid penalties and out-of-service orders.
When a trucker buys fuel, the vendor collects taxes and pays them regularly to the state. The IFTA report that the trucker files determines where that tax money goes.
Because trucks often buy fuel in one state and drive through several others, IFTA uses quarterly mileage reports to distribute fuel taxes fairly among the jurisdictions where the truck actually traveled.
Four times a year, truck owners file a report with that mileage per state and their fuel receipts to show their payments at the pump. Those taxes are credited toward the balance they owe.
Do I need an IFTA Sticker?
A truck needs an IFTA decal if they cross state or province borders. Some hot-shot truckers ask if they need one. The requirements are spelled out:
If you’re unsure, get your vehicle weighed.
Still not sure? This chart may help.
| Situation | Need IFTA Sticker? |
| Stay in one state | No |
| Cross state lines | Yes |
| Temporary trip | Get a temporary trip permit |
| Qualified vehicle | Yes |
How To Get Your IFTA Sticker
Step 1: Determineyour base jurisdiction. That’s the state or province where you registered your trucking business, where you keep your business records. You can find the links on the IFTA website or on the TruckingOffice IFTA page.
Step 2: To apply for an IFTA license and decals, visit your base jurisdiction’s IFTA website and complete the application. There may be a small payment, usually $10 or less, to get the license. The documents and the IFTA decal will be mailed to your business office.
Keep track of that link – you’ll fill your quarterly report and make your payment there. To renew or surrender your IFTA license, you will notify the agency at the same link.
What Are the Penalties for IFTA Sticker Violations?
If you are transporting goods across state borders without an IFTA license, you may face fines, citations, and being put out of service, depending on the jurisdiction.
Or you could be fined if the IFTA stickers are not properly placed on your vehicle. Considering that they’re on the exterior of a truck, they may wear out before the end of the year. Keep your paper license in your cab to show an enforcement officer and replace the sticker as needed.
Fines for Failure to File
The biggest fine will hit if you fail to file an IFTA report for a quarter. You must file every quarter, even if you haven’t driven for the entire quarter.
This comes as a surprise to some truckers who don’t drive during the winter. Seasonal truckers still must file an IFTA report. Most states have a “No miles driven” option on the first page of the filing.
For example, the Ohio IFTA website says
Failure to file and/or pay your quarterly return by the due date will result in penalties ($50 minimum or 10% of the tax due whichever is greater), interest, and a notice of proposed revocation will be issued.
This applies even if you haven’t driven. Your IFTA license may be revoked, leading to more fines and the potential of being put off the road until the filing and payments are made.
Renewing Your IFTA License
Regardless of when you get your IFTA sticker, it expires every year on December 31. You must renew it on your base jurisdiction’s website. While there is a 60-day grace period, you can order your new license and decal after October 1 of any year. However, some states, like Washington, won’t send it out until your 3rd quarter filing is complete and paid. The renewal application should be submitted before the end of the year.
Some states send out an annual renewal reminder.
Canceling Your IFTA License
If you are no longer driving your truck, you need to file with your base jurisdiction to surrender your IFTA license. The process requires that you file the final notice. In most states, if you owe taxes, fines, or penalties, you must pay them before the cancellation will be completed.
FAQs
How Much Does an IFTA Sticker Cost?
In California, an IFTA license costs $10.00, plus a $2.00 per-set charge for the decals. In some states, the IFTA stickers are free, but there may be a replacement cost.
How Long Does It Take to Receive an IFTA Sticker?
For most states, 7 to 10 business days. Other states say 1- 2 months. Check with your base jurisdiction.
Can I Haul Freight Before the Sticker Arrives?
Yes, you can haul freight, but you may need to get a Temporary Fuel Permit or a Trip Permit from the states you drive through to avoid citations, fines, or being put off the road.
Where Should I Place My Sticker?
The sticker location should be on either side of the cab. We suggest it be at eye level for the law enforcement officer who’s looking for it.
What Should I Do If My Sticker Is Damaged?
Contact your state’s IFTA website for another IFTA decal. Replacements are generally inexpensive and will be mailed to you.
Do I Need An IFTA Sticker If I Only Drive in One State?
No, you don’t need an IFTA sticker if you only drive in your base jurisdiction state. If you need to leave, you could apply for a Temporary Fuel Permit for that state.
What’s the Difference Between an IFTA License and an IFTA Sticker?
A license is the official registration document. The decal is proof that a vehicle is operating under an active IFTA license.
Are Decals the Same in Every State?
Each state’s decal has an outline of the state on it, and the year it is valid. The color changes every year.
What happens if my IFTA sticker expires?
You have a 60-day grace period to renew. Past that, you face potential fines.
Can I print my own IFTA sticker?
No. Only decals issued by your base jurisdiction are valid.
I just purchased my truck do I need the ifta sticker before i can start hauling loads
I’m buying a 1999 international ramp truck 21 foot bed From Florida and driving it home to Massachusetts. Do I need a IFTA sticker.
Can IFTA stickers be put on top of the old sticker or does the old sticker need to be removed?
Yes, you can put the new IFTA sticker over the old one.
On top doesn’t display the old one. Article says to keep three years past.
Do you have to report miles in another state if you only drive 1.5 miles in and back out?
Is there a grace period of any kind?
10, 20 or 30 days
My stickers haven’t arrived yet.
Can u get fined for a faded and ripped ifta?
I need help getting my ifta sticker.
Is it agsinst regulatons to have the prior 2 ifta stickers displayed along with your most recent? I.e. ’22 ’23” ’24
I only travel in 20 states. can I get licensed or ifta for just those states
how do i purchase additional IFTA stickers
Do. I. Need. A. ifta. Sticker. With. A. B80. Tag